Joneta "Jonnie" Bell, 90, of Ames, Iowa, passed away at Mary Greeley Medical Center on May 3, 2021. A private family graveside service will be held at the Ames Municipal Cemetery in Ames with Father Don Czapla officiating.
Joneta Carolyn Wheelock was born on November 18, 1930 in Ames, Iowa to John and Gertrude (Christopher) Wheelock. She was the youngest of seven daughters and a 1948 graduate of Ames High School. Jonnie married her high school sweetheart, Melvin D. Bell, on August 27, 1948 in Ames, Iowa. The two made their lives in Ames and from their union, had eight children: Tom, Suanne, Pam, Jacque, Mark, Jim, Larry and Danny.
Jonnie's full-time job was wrangling those eight children and she loved every second. She was an outstanding mother and attended sporting and social events the children were involved in and supported them in their endeavors. Jonnie was a patient and strong woman that found the good in every situation and wanted to take care of everyone. She was an avid seamstress and could fix or alter anything. Jonnie enjoyed sewing, reading, crossword puzzles and most of all, dancing. Melvin and Jonnie were known to "cut a rug" once in awhile; taking joy in each other's company. In retirement, they traveled winters in their RV to the southwest.
Left to cherish Jonnie's memory are her husband of 72 years, Melvin D. Bell of Ames; children, Tom (JoAnn) Bell of Story City, Suanne Smith of Eagle Grove, Pam Hanks (Dennis) of Cambridge, Jacque Bell of Ames, Larry Bell of Ames and Danny Bell of Ames; 6 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Gertrude Wheelock, sisters: Isabelle (John) Crosby, Bernadine (Jim) McDonald, Elizabeth (Edward) Clark, Gertrude (John) Fitzgerald, Barbara (Earl) Askelson, and Patricia (Jim) Beach; sons, Mark Bell and Jim Bell; grandchildren, Tom Bell Jr. and Mike Hanks; son-in-law, Gary Smith; and daughter-in-law, Kelly Bell.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.
Although I did not know you well and had only met you once you were still my family through marriage and held a special place in my heart. Although I am saddened by your going away I know that it would be greedy to wish you were still here in this awful world when you are now so at peace and really home but I do wish I could have gotten to sit and talk with you more. One other time I had saw you and that was in a picture of you when you were younger and on the dance team of some sort. My mother had shown me the picture and I stared at it for a long time. It was as if I were there with you. You were a very beautiful,happy and outgoing lady and you looked so good in those boots. You had given my mom your favorite boots from when you were a young woman. To me that was very, very special and for that I thank you and I do love you Ms Jonnie and you will always hold a special place in my heart. You and my pops Larry and the rest of the family as well. Yours truly, Heidi Poyadou
Jonnie was such a special lady. I so enjoyed visiting with her and I know how proud she was of her family.
Our deepest sympathy. Mike and Joan Black
Our deepest condolences to all of the Bell family. May you find peace in the laughter remembered.
Deb Jones and Diane Flournoy.
Oh, how she will be missed. I will forever cherish my memories of her and all of the keepsakes she has made for me and sent to me throughout the years. Sending all of my love from Texas. Praying for peace and comfort for all.
Love and a hug to all of you...Uncle Melvin and all of you. Wish I could be there, but you are in my prayers. When I was little she was always Big Jonnie and I was Little Jonnie. I will miss her.
Love and Hugs to Mel and family! Chris loved the attention and love that Joni gave her and included her in a lot of family times and vacations. She was one very special Lady and Mother to many! You are in our thoughts and prayers! Chris Dahl and Jan
To the Bell family. I’m so very sorry for your loss. The little time I spent with your mom I could tell she was a very caring person and she is someone that will be missed greatly.
Tom, Jo and Family
When someone you love becomes a memory,
The memory becomes a treasure.
keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Service
Ames, IA 50010